Research 

Policy Levers for the Control of Tobacco Consumption

Chaloupka FJ, Hahn EJ and Emery SL. Kentucky Law Journal, 90(4): 1009-1042, 2002.

The purpose of this article is to describe tobacco control policies that states and other governments have implemented, and to explore the impact of these measures. The article, therefore, provides a framework for what is both possible and feasible for state governments to undertake in order to reduce and minimize the impact of tobacco use in their states. Specifically, this article reviews and updates the findings from studies that explore the relationship between tobacco control policies and population smoking prevalence, health, and the economy as a whole. Data from Kentucky is highlighted as an example of one state that is disproportionately affected by tobacco use given its economic and cultural dependence on tobacco. The article begins with an overview of recent trends in tobacco use and its consequences, followed by a review of the evidence for the effectiveness of tobacco control policies. A description of the types and comprehensiveness of policies currently in place and a discussion of some of the factors correlated with strength and comprehensiveness of these policies follows.